Category:Our Disappointments (Disciples of SP)
Theme Analysis
The path of spiritual realization is entirely different from material endeavors, especially regarding how failure is measured. Śrīla Prabhupāda strictly trains his disciples to never succumb to disappointment. Because the conditioned soul expects immediate sensual results, facing public apathy, empty lecture halls, or zero book collections can be emotionally crushing. However, Prabhupāda teaches that in the spiritual realm, sincere effort itself is the true success. He encourages his followers by reminding them that great preachers throughout history—including himself and Lord Jesus Christ—faced immense initial resistance. Furthermore, he explains that temporary failures and personal mistakes are simply human; when rectified with a cool head, they become the very pillars of ultimate success. By ignoring envious detractors, patiently enduring austerities, and continuing to fight for Kṛṣṇa with absolute sincerity, the disciples guarantee that they will overcome all worldly disappointments and eventually see the Supreme Personality of Godhead face-to-face.
- Eradicating Material Frustration: Many young people join the movement after being deeply disappointed by material life; spiritual life requires giving up the expectation of immediate, pleasing material results and simply sticking to Kṛṣṇa.
- Sincerity as the Supreme Credit: Even if a devotee preaches all day and collects nothing, there is no cause for despair. The sincere effort is entirely recognized by Kṛṣṇa and is the devotee's true credit.
- Preaching Without Response: A preacher must never be discouraged by a lack of attendance. Following the examples of the previous ācāryas, one should enthusiastically chant even if only the four walls, insects, or germs are listening.
- Learning from Mistakes: To err is human nature. Committing mistakes or facing temporary failures should not cause dejection, but rather humble repentance and cool-headed correction, turning setbacks into pillars of success.
- The Ultimate Reward: Achieving Kṛṣṇa consciousness is not cheap; it requires immense endurance and patience. By utilizing whatever small chance they are given, dedicated disciples are guaranteed the ultimate fruit of seeing Kṛṣṇa directly.
- Explore the synthesized essence of this category in this Vanipedia article: Prabhupāda Assures His Disciples That Sincere Effort Conquers All Preaching Disappointments.
Pages in category "Our Disappointments (Disciples of SP)"
The following 20 pages are in this category, out of 20 total.
A
- Almost fifty percent of my devotees are, they are collected from these disappointed persons, young men. They are going astray. So they appreciate that I have saved them. Therefore they are after me, this younger generation
- As in the material world sometimes failure is considered as a pillar of success, similarly in the spiritual order also the same principle can be applied. So don't be disappointed. Maybe Krishna's desire is something higher in this connection
D
- Don't be disappointed that many men are not coming here or we are very poorly pushing on. Never mind. Whatever Krsna has given us, chance, let us utilize it
- Don't be disappointed that the whole day you work, you got no collection, and nobody was interested in Krsna consciousness. No. Don't be disappointed. You have worked sincerely the whole day, that is your credit
- Don't be disappointed that you are separated from me, I am also always thinking of you how you are making progress there
- Don't be disappointed. Go on with your Krsna consciousness activities. Time will come when you'll see Krsna, just like Kunti is seeing, face to face. There is no doubt about it
I
- I am very glad to see that you are not disappointed. This is a good sign. One should work with courage and patience, and certainly Krishna will be pleased
- If you are chanting within this room and if you find nobody is coming to participate in the kirtana, don't be disappointed. There are many germs, worms, cockroaches, within this room - they are being benefited
T
- There is no need to be disappointed. You go on with your work as best as Krishna gives you the opportunity, and there is no cause of your anxiety
- There is no question of being disappointed. After all, we commit so many mistakes. That is human nature. To err is human. That is not fault. But try to rectify with cool head. That is required
- To become God conscious, Krsna conscious, is not very cheap thing. It requires a great amount of austerity, penance to come to this stage. So never be disappointed that because people are not responding
Y
- Yes. Becoming more interested. So let us go on fighting with Krsna consciousness. There is no disappointment. Yudhyasva mam anusmara (BG 8.7). We shall fight and chant Hare Krsna. Then everything is all right. We cannot stop fighting
- You do not be disappointed by the activities of some envious person. Nirmatsara. Anyone who is contaminated by envy, he cannot become Vaisnava
- You have to associate yourself with persons who are in that business. Then gradually you'll also develop the taste ... So there is no cause of disappointment that because you have no taste for such things